June 27, 2007

Lovely Complex

The anime adapted from Shoujo (female) manga apparently very comedic is the Lovely Complex series. Another comedy romance series I’m watching out for each new episode. Eleven episodes were released by KissSub Subbing Group. Starting next episode, I will be writing summary about Lovely Complex‘s each episode, beginning episode 12.

Brief Description:
One day, a very tall transfer student shows up and Risa Koizumi immediately falls for him, as she has had bad luck with boys in the past because she is tall. There is a girl that Atsushi Otani likes as well, so Risa and Otani decide to put aside their differences and help each other get their love interests. But as they get to know each other better, Risa’s feelings for Otani begin to blossom.

The first episode didn’t have any uniqueness which seemed like other common comedy romance series (Nagasarete Airantou, Negima, etc), the main storyline begins when Risa falls for Otani unwittingly. Almost every episodes is filled with comedic substance which make each episode enjoyable.

Detailed Storyline:Risa Koizumi has always been taller than most people, and Atsushi Otani has always been shorter than most boys. Risa stands at 170cm while Otani is 159cm in height, a major incompatibility as couple. Both were always arguing and insulting each other as a result, they are often refer to as the “All Hanshin-Kyojin” (Comedic Duo) at school.

One day, Risa misbehaved during the graduation ceremony, due to insufficient sleep while spending her time playing electronic games late at night. She was called in by one of her teacher and punished for arguing and having dispute with the teacher by attending summer classes. When summer class starts, Risa learns that she attends summer class with Otani.

At the same time, a cute and tall guy transfers into their summer class, the two of them decide to help each other out in regards to a possible love interest. Otani helps Risa get close to the new classmate, Suzuki, and Risa helps Otani get close to one of her close friends Chiharu. It turns out that Suzuki and Chiharu have more in common than vice versa with Otani and Risa and they decide to give up and let Chiharu and Suzuki become a couple. However, Risa begins to notice that her feelings for Otani are growing, but Otani doesn’t seem to notice.

Risa must get Otani to understand that it’s him she likes, not some other guy, and to figure out if a relationship between a tall girl and a short boy can really be possible.

Here’s some screenshots:

Graphics: 6.5/10

Animation: 7/10

Sound: 7/10

Story: 7.5/10

Value: 9/10

Extra comments: The graphics, character drawn sometimes inconsistent. Characters are often drawn in super deformed style and overly exaggerating in facial expressions. The sound and music are average. The ending theme song really suits the show and characters are well voiced. I am quite surprised that the story progresses unlike many comedy where the story doesn’t progress. Feeling sad and hilarious at the same times at episode 8. *Cough cough* I enjoy this anime a lot so I’ll give it 9 out of 10 for value.